Globalisation, economic collaboration and marketing
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Globalisation is the increasing connection and interdependence of countries through trade, communication, transport and technology
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It allows businesses to operate and compete in international markets more than ever before
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Economic collaboration is when countries or regions work together to support trade and economic growth
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This includes trade agreements, shared markets, such as the EU, and international organisations, like the World Trade Organisation
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Implications for marketing
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Implication |
Explanation |
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Access to larger markets |
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Increased competition |
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Need for local adaptation |
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Joint marketing opportunities |
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The importance of international marketing
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International marketing is when a business promotes and sells its products in more than one country
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It plays a key role in helping businesses grow, increase profits and compete globally
Why international marketing is important

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Access to new customers
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By marketing products in other countries, businesses can reach millions of new potential customers
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E.g. Netflix expanded from the US to over 190 countries, gaining millions of new subscribers through localised marketing and content
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Spreading risk
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Selling in different countries helps reduce risk
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If sales fall in one country, sales in other regions may still grow
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E.g. Toyota sells vehicles across Asia, North America and Europe, which helps balance profits even if one region performs poorly
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Taking advantage of global trends
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International marketing allows businesses to respond quickly to global fashion, technology or lifestyle trends
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E.g. Zara uses fast-fashion marketing strategies across global cities to catch and promote trends in real time
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Building a global brand
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International marketing helps businesses build strong global brands that are recognised and trusted around the world
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E.g. Samsung has become one of the world’s leading technology brands by using consistent marketing messages and high-quality advertising across Asia, Europe, and the Americas
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Identifying and selecting suitable international markets
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Before entering a new country, a business must carefully research and choose the right market
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Picking the wrong market can lead to wasted investment, while choosing wisely can bring growth and long-term success
Key factors in choosing an international market
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Factor |
Explanation |
Example |
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Market size and growth |
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Customer needs and preferences |
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Level of competition |
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Legal and political environment |
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Costs and infrastructure |
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Case Study
GreenSip Ltd makes stylish, eco-friendly water bottles aimed at environmentally conscious consumers
The business already sells successfully across the UK and now wants to grow by entering a new international market, either in Brazil or in Sweden
Market comparison of Brazil and Sweden
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Factor |
Brazil |
Sweden |
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Market size and growth |
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Customer preferences |
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Competition |
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Challenges and ease of entry |
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GreenSip Ltd. chose to enter Sweden as its first international expansion market
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Although Brazil offered more long-term growth potential, the management team decided that Sweden was a safer first step
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The strong match between Swedish consumer values and GreenSip’s eco-friendly brand made it easier to launch with minimal changes to product design or marketing
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Additionally, as part of the EU, Sweden allowed for lower costs, faster delivery and fewer legal barriers
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Entering international markets
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When expanding into a new country, businesses must decide how to enter and how to market their products
Strategies for entering international markets
Pan-global strategy
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A pan-global strategy is where a business uses the same product and marketing approach in all countries
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Branding, packaging and promotion stay the same
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This approach is best used when customer preferences are similar worldwide, such as in technology or fashion where global trends dominate
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Advantages
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Saves money through economies of scale
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Using the same adverts, packaging and branding worldwide reduces costs
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Strong, consistent global brand image
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Customers recognise and trust the brand across all markets
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Disadvantages
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May not suit local tastes or culture
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What appeals in one country may not work in another
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Risk of marketing failure
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The message might not connect with customers in certain regions
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Local strategy
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A local strategy is where a business changes parts of its product or marketing to suit local tastes, culture, language or laws
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This approach is best used when markets are culturally, legally or economically different, such as in food, healthcare or personal care industries
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Advantages
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Matches local customer needs better
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Products and marketing can reflect local tastes, language and culture
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More likely to connect with target market
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Customers feel the business understands them, which can increase loyalty
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Disadvantages
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Higher costs due to adaptation
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Creating different versions of adverts, packaging or products for each country can be expensive
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More complex to manage
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Coordinating different strategies across markets requires more time, staff and control
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Strategies to develop a global market
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When expanding globally, businesses must choose strategies that match their goals, resources, and the markets they are entering
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Key factors businesses consider include
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Target market analysis
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Businesses study customer needs, cultural values, income levels and demand
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Helps decide whether to use a pan-global or localised marketing approach
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Product type
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Some products (e.g. technology, luxury goods) may work globally with little change
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Others (e.g. food, personal care) often need local adaptation to suit customer preferences or laws
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Resources and budget
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Larger businesses may invest in FDI or<span class=”popovers” data-content=”Where a business works with a local partner to enter the market, sharing risks, costs and local knowledge” data-title=”joint ventures” data-toggle=”popove
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